New Developments Prompt More Growth in Johnston

JOHNSTON, Iowa – The city of Johnston saw $58.4 million of new taxable valuation in 2018.

The valuation includes over 70 new single-family homes and over $8 million in community projects.

City of Johnston Economic Development Manager Adam Plagge said the city has taken over two large developments.

One development is 1,500 acres of land off of Highway 141 and NW Saylorville Drive where the city can see up to 10,000 new homes if all of the land is developed.

“This coming year we will get through that engineering. Beginning next year we will be installing the sewer and water lanes. That will open up that area for development, so in 2020-2021 you’ll start seeing new growth along that 141 corridor,” Plagge said.

Right now, that land is zoned to build 500 homes.

Plagge said the city of Johnston has a steady increase of 200-250 residents each year.

In addition, a small annexation by Birchwood Crossing north of I-80 is planned to be developed for commercial use.

“The number of new investments and infrastructure, such as the New Town Center Project. Every several years we do a community survey and ask the citizens what they are looking for from the city in terms of services and growth. The response we often get is need for additional retail and commercial development,” Plagge said.